Report: Marlins pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo suspended 8 weeks for identity fraud
Major League Baseball suspended Miami Marlins reliever Juan Carlos Oviedo, formerly Leo Nunez, for eight weeks for age and identity fraud, according to FoxSports.com‘s Jon Morosi.
Juan Carlos Oviedo -- the former Leo Nunez -- has been suspended by #MLB for 8 weeks for engaging in age and identity fraud. #Marlins
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Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 28, 2012Oviedo's suspension, effective beginning today, will be served through July 22. He can participate in extended spring training.
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Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 28, 2012Last September, the Marlins placed the then-Leo Nunez on leave to travel to the Dominican Republic, his home country, to sort out questions over his identity. The Associated Press reported at the time that the pitcher’s real name was Juan Carlos Oviedo, and he was 29 years old, a year older than his listed age with the Marlins.
In December, Oviedo apologized for lying about his identity. He said he began using the fake name years earlier to improve his chances of playing baseball professionally.
Questions remained about his ability to get a visa to the US after his application was initially rejected last winter. Last Thursday, Oviedo received a pardon from the U.S. State Department and on Friday, he said he had been approved for a visa to travel to the U.S. once his suspension ends, which was reported Monday to be July 22.
